Backpacking Club

I've been kicking around this idea of getting a backpacking "club" together that would bring the local hiker/backpackers together in a fun, Christian setting. I would like it to mainly be for people in central arkansas, because a monthly get together/meeting would be part of the club. However, visitors would be welcome when ever. There would be clinics we would put on, projects we would do to help the community, and trips we would take. Because of these things we would do, dues would also be apart of this. The amount would depend on what the group decided. These would pay for things like food at the meetings, materials for the clinics, and other random things (like shirts maybe). The reason that I'm posting this here is two fold. First, I wanted to see if there were people on here in the area who would be interested in this. Second, does anyone think that something like this would add something positive to the area, or take away from it? Let me know what you guys feelings are on this. I realize that everyone might not be interested, but I wanted to float the idea to you guys here. You're not going to hurt my feelings, I just want to get the people around central Arkansas organized and motivated to give back to the community. Most of all I just want to figure out if this is a good idea, how it could be made into a good idea, or if I should just leave it like it is now. If there are any other ideas, feel free to discuss those too.

...would non-Christians be allowed in the club?

Yea what about Pagens..... sorry.. could not resist that one Willky1. lol you know I am only fooling :-D

I think that's a great idea Wilky. I would be happy to designate an area here on the site to the club, if it would be helpful. You might have your own separate website idea for it (if so, that's fine) but I'd be happy to set up a special forum and some space to post club news on the home page, etc..

Owl wrote:...would non-Christians be allowed in the club?

I know you may just be messin' around Owl, but you bring up a good point. I would imagine that having non-Christians in the club would be part of the reason for the clubs existence; to bring folks into the fold. I've been involved in similar Christian clubs before, and one thing I found beneficial was everyone signing a pledge (whether they were Christians or not) that they would not behave in any way that would work against the values and objectives of the club. That way, everyone knows up front what the values of the club are, and they understand that no one is requiring them to "be" anything they aren't, but that they are held accountable for their own behavior. I think it's necessary.

Anyway, I hope it works. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

willky:
I'm up for it. I'll help any way that I can.
UL

Owl,
I totally agree with the what has already been said. Yes this is going to be a organization founded on Christian values and viewpoints, but if, knowing that you still want to come, I'd love to have as many people as possible. There would be no reason to exclude anyone.

Jay,
As soon as I figure out a name for the club, I'll let you know, and a section can be set up. Now, if its alright, this thread can serve for ideas on the club. The first thing I've gotta do is get a name for this. And the pledge (or whatever you called it) is a great idea!

Let me know any ideas you guys have for this.

While I wish wilky good luck with starting any kind of hiking club I'm a bit concerned that this forum may be viewed by some as antagonistic to non-Christians if a Christian hiking club is an integral part of the forum.

You might as well devote space on the forum to a backpacking with firearms club.

Yea how about a thread for the very large oversized blow up doll toteing backpaker that loves leather and a good spanking... oh sorry wrong fourm..

Actually fellas, I thought about that, and I'm not worried about it.

For one thing, I've extended the same opportunity to all the hiking/outdoors clubs in the area. In fact, you can see that I had already created forums for FoOT and a few others when the site first came online. (They aren't using them, but, y'know, they can if they want!)

While I have my personal limits, (yeah, the blow-up doll backpacker club probably wouldn't make the cut, Eddie!) this forum exists for any person, club, or organization who cares about and utilizes the Backcountry of Arkansas. I do have limits and I won't allow certain things to happen here, but, for the most part, all are welcome.

I don't think anyone has anything to worry about. I'm not going to let a bunch of weirdos overrun the forum. But for me to say that Christian clubs aren't welcome at AB, well, that would just be...unChristian!

Wow what a ray of sunshine you are Jay.. er now about the blow-up doll backpackers er... hahahah

I don't want to step on any toes, thats for sure, and if this is going to cause a problem, I don't worry about putting a section on here. Zen I know where you're coming from and I respect that. However, while this will be based on Christian values and ideas, I hope that everyone will feel welcome.

So after thinking about the name for this "club" I wanted to throw it out there to the people who showed interest in it. The best thing that I can come up with is "Ichthus (pronounced "ik-thoos") Outdoor Fellowship". Let me know what you think. This is still a work in progress.

I like that name Willky. It's pretty straight-forward.

Are you still looking for name ideas, or is that pretty much what you want to go with? If you want more ideas, I'll try to come up with a couple.